One notable downside relates to software updates. The phone ships with Android 15 and TCL commits to just one upgrade to Android 16 sometime in the future. Following this update, no additional Android features will be available, though security updates will be provided for a two-year period. While this update policy is in line with other phones in a similar price range, Motorola now promises two Android upgrades for its Moto G line, indicating that TCL could improve in this area.
Compatible with all major US carriers, this phone is exclusively available unlocked on Amazon, a departure from the usual carrier-locked TCL models in the US. While experiencing no issues with 5G connectivity, there were some occasional comments regarding call quality. Although I did not encounter difficulties hearing others during calls, some individuals found it challenging to hear me clearly when using the speakerphone function. Testing it with different friends yielded varied results, making it uncertain whether it’s a network-related problem or the caller’s hardware.
With a generous 5,010-mAh battery, the endurance of this phone is quite impressive. Under normal usage, it typically reaches bedtime with a remaining charge of 25 to 30 percent. To prolong battery life, the Max Ink Mode can be activated. While wireless charging is not supported, this phone offers various desirable features, including a microSD card slot for additional storage, NFC for contactless payments, and a headphone jack. Due to its somewhat slippery and top-heavy design, using a protective case is recommended to prevent accidental drops; however, even after a few mishaps, the glass screen remains scratch-free.
Moving on to the camera, which performs reasonably well for a $250 phone. Picture quality is notably reliant on lighting, with Night mode often necessary to avoid blurry images even in indoor daylight conditions. The 50-MP main camera can struggle in high-contrast scenarios, and colors may appear slightly inaccurate, yet the overall results are acceptable. Fortunately, scanning QR codes poses no issues.
For a higher-quality alternative, I would opt for the CMF Phone 2 Pro priced at $279 over the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G, given its superior performance and camera capabilities. However, the soothing matte screen of the TCL phone has a unique charm that I’ve grown to appreciate over the past week. The option to switch to lower saturation or monochrome settings while reading enhances the overall experience. If you’ve been considering devices like the Boox Palma 2, I believe you’ll find the TCL to be a more satisfying choice.
